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The Class V Rule

Quick Reference Guide for Regulators

Title of Rule: Revisions to the Underground Injection Control Regulations for Class V Wells
64 FR 68545-68573, December 7, 1999.
Purpose: Prevent contamination of underground sources of drinking water by limiting injection of wastes through Class V Wells.
General Description: Adds requirements for two sub-categories of Class V wells: large-capacity cesspools and motor vehicle waste disposal wells. Links Class V program to source water assessment program.

Rule Requirements

Large-capacity cesspools

Definition: typically dry wells that receive sanitary waste from multiple dwellings and community or regional establishments.

  • New large-capacity cesspools banned nationwide as of April 5, 2000
  • Existing large-capacity cesspools closed by April 5, 2005
  • Owners or operators notify the UIC Program Director 30 days prior to closing their large-capacity cesspool
Motor vehicle waste disposal wells

Definition: receive or have received fluids from vehicular repairs or maintenance activities such as auto body repair, automotive repair, car dealerships, or other vehicular repair work.

  • New motor vehicle waste disposal wells banned nationwide as of April 5, 2000
  • Existing motor vehicle waste disposal wells banned in regulated areas. States may allow owners and operators to seek a waiver from the ban and obtain a permit.
  • Owners or operators notify the UIC Program Director 30 days prior to closing their well

Minimum permit requirements for existing motor vehicle waste disposal wells

  1. Fluids must meet Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) and other health-based standards at point of injection.
  2. Best Management Practicies must be specified.
  3. Monitoring requirements must be specified to characterize the quality of the injectate and sludge, both initially and on an ongoing basis.

Requirements for existing motor vehicle waste disposal wells would be phased-in as follows:

First - in source water protection areas for community and non-transient non-community water systems that use ground water as source of drinking water. These areas are being delineated and assessed as required by 1453 of the Safe Drinking Water Act and are called ground water protection areas.

Second - in other sensitive ground water areas that States identify as being crucial for protecting underground sources of drinking water. These areas may include areas overlying sole source aquifers, karst aquifers, or other sensitive or vulnerable hydrogeologic settings such as glacial outwast deposits, eolian sands and fractured bedrock.

If a State does not complete its assessments for ground water protection areas or delineate other sensitive ground water areas by January 1, 2004, the rule requirements apply statewide.

 

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